12 days in Portugal Itinerary

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Attractions like Lisbon Oceanarium and Pavilhao do Conhecimento make great kid-friendly stops. Explore Lisbon's surroundings by going to Sintra (Quinta da Regaleira & Park and National Palace of Pena). There's still lots to do: make a trip to Belém Tower, explore the historical opulence of Castelo de S. Jorge, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, and wander the streets of Alfama.

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Lisbon trip itinerary app .

Boston, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Western European Time (WET), which is usually a 5 hour difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Boston in December, with highs in Lisbon at 60°F and lows at 45°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Albufeira.

Along Portugal's southern Algarve region sits Albufeira, a city boasting 20 beaches for visitors to choose from.

Attractions like Zoomarine Algarve and Falesia Beach make great kid-friendly stops. Explore Albufeira's surroundings by going to Praia da Marinha (in Caramujeira), Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (in Lagoa) and Praia Da Rocha (in Praia da Rocha). There's still lots to do: explore and take pictures at Praia da Cordoama, tour the pleasant surroundings at Praia dos Salgados, enjoy the sand and surf at Praia Gale, and get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see traveler tips, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Albufeira trip itinerary planning app .

You can drive from Lisbon to Albufeira in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. In December, daytime highs in Albufeira are 63°F, while nighttime lows are 50°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Porto is known for historic sites, nightlife, shopping, nature, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, take a stroll around Palacio da Bolsa, and make a trip to Liberdade Square.

To see more things to do and other tourist information, refer to the Porto trip itinerary app .

Traveling by flight from Albufeira to Porto takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Albufeira in December, Porto is slightly colder at night with lows of 44°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can travel back home.